Wellbeing Of Women

Charity Number: 239281

Annual Expenditure: £2.7M
Throughout England And Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland

Contact Info

Website: www.wellbeingofwomen.org.uk

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: Approximately £1-1.5 million (based on recent awards)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: 6 months (submission to outcome)
  • Grant Range: £20,000 - £300,000
  • Geographic Focus: UK (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

Contact Details

Website: www.wellbeingofwomen.org.uk

General Email: hello@wellbeingofwomen.org.uk

General Phone: 0203 697 7000

Research Team Email: research@wellbeingofwomen.org.uk

Research Team Phone: 020 3697 6346

Overview

Founded in 1964 by Professor Will Nixon as The Childbirth Research Centre, Wellbeing of Women (charity number 239281) is the only UK charity dedicated to funding research across all areas of women's reproductive and gynaecological health. Since inception, the charity has invested over £67 million in 588 research studies. The charity is accredited by the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC), demonstrating its commitment to the highest standards in research funding governance. Under the patronage of The Duchess of Edinburgh and led by Chair Professor Dame Lesley Regan and Chief Executive Janet Lindsay, the charity funds basic science, clinical, and translational research while also supporting grassroots community health initiatives. In recent years, the charity has intensified efforts to address historical neglect of women's health, funding approximately £1.2-1.5 million annually in pioneering research projects.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Research Project Grants: £0 - £300,000 (up to 3 years)

  • Supports independent researchers at recognised UK Universities or NHS Trusts
  • Applications accepted for basic science, clinical, and translational research, including explanatory/feasibility studies and systematic reviews
  • Online application via website
  • Fixed annual deadline (typically early June)
  • Outcomes announced approximately 6 months after submission (typically December)
  • Awards start approximately 2 months after outcomes (typically February)

Research Training Fellowships: Up to £300,000 (up to 3 years)

  • Provides foundation research training for medical graduates, midwives, nurses and allied health professionals
  • Supports PhD candidates leading their first substantial research project
  • Fixed annual deadline (typically mid-June)
  • Interviews conducted (typically November)
  • Outcomes announced December, awards start February

Entry Level Scholarships: Up to £20,000 (typically 12 months)

  • Multiple partnership programmes with professional bodies (RCM, RCP, FSRH, BSSVD, BGCS, BMFMS, RCOG)
  • “Pump-priming” funds for graduates new to research
  • Enables pilot data collection to enhance future fellowship applications
  • May include salary contribution
  • Various deadlines depending on partnership (typically June-July)
  • Outcomes announced approximately 4-5 months later (typically November)
  • Awards start 2-3 months after outcomes

Women's Health Community Fund: Up to £5,000 (12 months)

  • Partnership with Holland & Barrett (now in third year)
  • Supports grassroots organisations and community groups
  • For organisations with income under £250,000/year or fewer than 5 FTE staff
  • Must be operational for minimum 12 months
  • Funds distributed in two instalments (50% at start, 50% after 6-month report)
  • Rolling or periodic application windows

Priority Areas

Wellbeing of Women welcomes research applications from all areas of women's reproductive and gynaecological health across the life course, including:

  • Menstrual health conditions (PCOS, endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids, PMDD)
  • Menopause
  • Contraception and sexual health
  • Pregnancy, childbirth and maternal health
  • Gynaecological cancers (ovarian, cervical, womb/endometrial)
  • Female genital mutilation
  • Fertility and assisted reproduction
  • Women's health across different life stages

Special focus on underrepresented groups:

  • Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities
  • LGBTQ+ communities
  • People living with disabilities
  • Those experiencing homelessness or addiction
  • Communities in areas of economic deprivation

What They Don't Fund

  • Research conducted outside the UK
  • Projects not related to women's reproductive and gynaecological health
  • Organisations with annual income over £250,000 (for Community Fund only)
  • Research at institutions not recognised as UK Universities or NHS Trusts (for research grants)

Governance and Leadership

Chair of Trustees: Professor Dame Lesley Regan

Professor Dame Lesley Regan is a renowned consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist who serves as Women's Health Ambassador for England. On her appointment as Chair, she stated: "I am honoured to be the new Chair of Trustees for Wellbeing of Women and very excited to be leading the charity. Improving women's health care and empowering women to make the best possible choices they can when it comes to their health will be at the very heart of this.“ She has emphasised that ”It is extremely encouraging, yet long overdue, that after many decades of neglect women's health is becoming a key national priority.“ Her mantra is: ”When we get it right for women, everybody benefits."

Chief Executive: Janet Lindsay

Janet Lindsay leads the organisation's strategic direction and advocacy work. She has been vocal about the historical neglect of women's health, stating: "Women's health has been neglected and underfunded for decades as a result of a centuries old patriarchal society.“ On healthcare access, she has emphasised: ”Women need to know that when they do reach out for help, they will be taken seriously, and their concerns will be listened to." Lindsay has successfully campaigned to break stigma around menopause and menstrual health issues.

Other Senior Team Members:

  • Marianne Sladowsky, Head of Communications and Campaigns
  • Caroline Christensen, Co-Director of Fundraising

Research Advisory Committee (RAC): An eminent team of established expert clinicians and researchers who select, monitor and evaluate all research funding through rigorous independent peer review processes.

Royal Patron: The Duchess of Edinburgh (appointed 2021)

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Research Grants and Fellowships:

  1. Review relevant grant guidance documents available on website
  2. Download application forms from funding opportunities page
  3. Submit applications via online portal
  4. Multi-disciplinary teams are encouraged
  5. For Entry Level Scholarships, applicants are encouraged to use buddy schemes (e.g., RCM Research Award Buddy Scheme for midwives)

Pre-application Support:

  • Contact research team at research@wellbeingofwomen.org.uk or 020 3697 6346 with queries
  • Read all grant guidance thoroughly before applying
  • Consider using buddy schemes where available

Decision Timeline

Research Project Grants:

  • Submission: Early June (1pm deadline)
  • Peer review period: June-December
  • Outcomes: December
  • Awards start: February (following year)
  • Total timeline: ~6 months

Research Training Fellowships:

  • Submission: Mid-June (1pm deadline)
  • Interviews: November
  • Outcomes: December
  • Awards start: February (following year)
  • Total timeline: ~6 months including interviews

Entry Level Scholarships:

  • Submission: June-July (varies by partnership)
  • Peer review period: Summer-Autumn
  • Outcomes: November
  • Awards start: January (following year)
  • Total timeline: ~4-5 months

Notification Method: Applicants are notified directly by email of outcomes.

Success Rates

Specific success rate percentages are not publicly disclosed. However, the charity funded 18 research awards in recent rounds (representing approximately £1.2 million in investment). The organisation uses rigorous independent peer review through its Research Advisory Committee (RAC) to ensure only the highest quality research is funded.

Reapplication Policy

Specific reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants are contained within detailed grant guidance documents. Applicants should download and review the relevant guidance for each funding stream or contact the research team at research@wellbeingofwomen.org.uk for clarification.

Application Success Factors

Key Advice from the Funder

From grant guidance and website:

  • “A rigorous selection process and independent peer review guarantees we fund the highest quality research”
  • Applications are encouraged from multi-disciplinary teams
  • Projects should seek to “improve the health of women, girls and babies”
  • For Entry Level Scholarships: awards are “pump-priming” funds to enable exposure to research environments and obtain pilot data
  • Read grant guidance thoroughly before applying
  • Contact the research team with any queries before submission

Recent Funded Projects (Examples)

Female Genital Mutilation Research (2024-25):

Miss Aurora Almadori, University College London - Identifying gaps in female genital mutilation reconstruction clinical trials to ensure surgeries are safe and effective

Ovarian Cancer Research (2024-25):

Dr Shimrit Mayer, University of Cambridge - Using Imaging Mass Cytometry to understand how different cells and structures interact in tumours to predict patient response to treatment

Postpartum Contraception (2024-25):

Dr Amy Hough, University College London - Identifying barriers to accessing contraception in postpartum women and unplanned pregnancy rates to improve contraceptive services

Community Fund Projects:

13 projects have been funded supporting underrepresented and disadvantaged groups in menopause awareness and support

Language and Terminology

  • Focus on “improving health and wellbeing” and “making a difference to lives”
  • Emphasis on addressing “historical neglect” of women's health
  • Language around “empowering women to make the best possible choices”
  • Recognition of need to address health inequities for underrepresented groups
  • Commitment to funding research “across the life course”

Standing Out

  1. Demonstrate alignment with priority areas while showing innovation
  2. Address health inequities - projects targeting underrepresented groups are particularly valued
  3. Show clear pathway to impact on women's health outcomes
  4. Engage multi-disciplinary teams where appropriate
  5. For early career researchers: clearly articulate how funding will support career development
  6. For Entry Level Scholarships: demonstrate how pilot data will lead to larger fellowship applications
  7. Evidence understanding of the historical context and current gaps in women's health research

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Comprehensive scope: Unlike most funders, Wellbeing of Women funds across ALL areas of women's reproductive and gynaecological health - don't be narrow in thinking what might fit
  • Quality over quantity: Rigorous AMRC-accredited peer review means applications must demonstrate excellence and robust methodology
  • Career development valued: Multiple funding streams support researchers at different career stages from Entry Level (£20k) through to Project Grants (£300k)
  • Equity focus critical: Addressing health inequities for underrepresented groups is a key priority across all funding streams
  • Strong strategic leadership: Led by high-profile figures (Professor Dame Lesley Regan, Janet Lindsay) with clear vision to make women's health a national priority
  • Long decision timelines: Plan for 4-6 month decision periods - submit early June for February start dates
  • Multi-level funding options: Research grants for major institutions AND community fund for grassroots organisations - consider which is most appropriate
  • Pre-application engagement welcomed: Research team actively encourages queries and provides buddy schemes for some programmes

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References

  1. Wellbeing of Women official website - For Researchers section. www.wellbeingofwomen.org.uk/what-we-do/research/for-researchers/
  1. Wellbeing of Women - Research Project Grants page. www.wellbeingofwomen.org.uk/what-we-do/research/for-researchers/funding-opportunities/research-project-grants/
  1. Wellbeing of Women - Research Training Fellowships page. www.wellbeingofwomen.org.uk/what-we-do/research/for-researchers/funding-opportunities/research-training-fellowships/
  1. Wellbeing of Women - Entry Level Scholarships pages (multiple partnership programmes). www.wellbeingofwomen.org.uk/what-we-do/research/for-researchers/funding-opportunities/entry-level-scholarships/
  1. Wellbeing of Women - Women's Health Community Fund. www.wellbeingofwomen.org.uk/get-involved/womens-health-community-fund/
  1. Wellbeing of Women - "Wellbeing of Women announces £1.2M investment into new pioneering research projects in women's health" press release. www.wellbeingofwomen.org.uk/news/wellbeing-of-women-announces-12m-investment-into-new-pioneering-research-projects-in-womens-health/
  1. Wellbeing of Women - “Wellbeing of Women, together with partners, to fund almost £1.5 million in new research” press release. www.wellbeingofwomen.org.uk/news/wellbeing-of-women-fund-new-research/
  1. Wellbeing of Women - Our History page. www.wellbeingofwomen.org.uk/about-us/our-history/
  1. Wellbeing of Women - Board of Trustees and Royal Patron page. www.wellbeingofwomen.org.uk/about-us/board-of-trustees-and-royal-patron/
  1. Wellbeing of Women - “Professor Dame Lesley Regan appointed new Chair” press release. www.wellbeingofwomen.org.uk/news/professor-dame-lesley-regan-appointed-new-chair/
  1. Wellbeing of Women - Our Team page. www.wellbeingofwomen.org.uk/about-us/our-team/
  1. UK Charity Commission Register - WELLBEING OF WOMEN (Charity Number 239281). register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/239281
  1. Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) - Wellbeing of Women profile. www.amrc.org.uk/wellbeing-of-women
  1. Wellbeing of Women - Wikipedia entry. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wellbeing_of_Women
  1. Wellbeing of Women press statements quoted in Perspective Media - "Women 'need to be taken seriously' when they look for GP help – charity" www.perspectivemedia.com/women-need-to-be-taken-seriously-when-they-look-for-gp-help-charity/
  1. Gov.UK press release - "Dame Lesley Regan appointed Women's Health Ambassador" www.gov.uk/government/news/dame-lesley-regan-appointed-womens-health-ambassador